Which is fastest, the recently refreshed 2022 BMW X3 M40i or the brand new 2022 Genesis GV70 3.5T? We’re about to watch a drag race between a German SUV powered by one of the most famous six-cylinder engines in the world and the Korean V6 with larger displacement.
Many bad things have been said about BMW designs of late, but there’s no denying that these guys know how to make a fast car or SUV. The X3 M40i is basically like a Toyota Supra if the Supra was really fat and walked on stilts.
What I mean is that the M40i version of the X3 has a B58, the third generation of the inline-6 turbo 3.0-liter setup. It makes the same 382 horsepower as it did last year, but gains a 48-volt mild-hybrid system as added motivation to reach 60 mph in 4.4 seconds. Of course, we know it’s underrated, with Car and Driver saying 4.1 seconds is the actual rate of acceleration.
And while the M40i isn’t a real M car, this title being reserved for the X3 M, it still inspires sporty driving with just enough firmness in the suspension. Of course, there are sportier small SUVs, like the Macan, but if you just had $60,000 on one family vehicle and it had to be “luxury” this is not a bad way to spend that money.
Specifically, the M40i costs $57,800, and in case you’re curious the 2022 Genesis GV70 3.5T starts at $53,100. That’s not even the most compelling thing about it, as the 3.5-liter V6 sounds great, is larger, and has twin turbochargers to the BMW’s single booster. Strangely, the output is actually lower at 375 HP, but torque is higher at 391 lb-ft vs 369 lb-ft for the BMW.
BMW delivers brutal humiliation
I also think it’s very handsome, even though the blobby new look of the X3 is starting to grow on me. But being powerful and cheap means nothing if it’s not backed up in the drag racing arena. The judge for this gladiatorial battle is going to be Sam CarLegion, the Canadian YouTuber. Why? Because Carwow can’t have this type of fun.
If you’ve ever seen a Supra drag race, you’re well prepared for the outcome we have here. The X3 M40i just obliterates its Genesis rival, even though the specs don’t necessarily support this.
Not only does the BMW hook up better from the start of the race, but the lead also stretches until the quarter-mile point, which means it’s making way more power. Too bad it also costs more than a Supra. But at least you’re getting a true BMW performance experience.
And the rolling race from 30 mph/50kph is even worse for the Genesis. It falls behind like it’s several classes below. Sam notes that the X3 M40i is only fractionally slower than an X3 M Competition and launches better than a Mercedes-AMG GLC 43, so at about $60,000 it’s actually a bargain.
